Sparwood families will have access to free kindergym for the next five years after the District approved funding for the program.
The Sparwood Early Years Committee (SEYC) offers an annual kindergym program for children under six years at the leisure centre, where kids have a chance to socialize and interact in a semi-unstructured play environment.
The free program runs from September to May with about 60 children registered annually and between 15 and 30 children attending each session.
Since 2016, the SEYC has used provincial funding to cover rental costs at the leisure centre, however, a reallocation of funding will leave the group short this year.
The District has previously funded the program and at the April 2 regular meeting, council agreed to once again foot rental costs.
A total of $4685.34 will be withdrawn from the Community Health Fund to support the kindergym program for five years from September 2019 to May 2023.
Other District of Sparwood news
Support for graduated licensing program
At the April 2 meeting, council authorized a letter of support to be provided to the District of Kitimat in their efforts to have the B.C. government implement the final phase of the graduated licensing program for motorcycles, including power restrictions and mandatory training.
Committee of the Whole recommendations approved
Council approved the following recommendations from the March 26 Committee of the Whole Meeting:
- 2019 Community Cleanup will be held on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with volunteers to meet at Spray Park;
- Civic Recognition Policy adopted. This policy amends the date for a volunteer recognition event to the first Sunday in May and introduces a Volunteer Organization Recognition Award;
- Storage Sheds on Public Lands Policy adopted. This policy establishes the guidelines for storage facilities on public lands by organizations;
- District staff have been directed to provide a report to council on the status of the sports fields located at 421 Pine Avenue (Mountainview School); and
- District staff have been directed to contract an audio-visual specialist to evaluate the set-up in Council Chambers to see how council meeting videos can be improved.
Engineering consultant hired
The District has hired Urban Systems to engineer the 2019 Public Works capital projects. These include: pre-design for upgrades at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP); return activated sludge pump chamber at the WWTP Buckthorn lift station; Well #1 and 2 pump upgrades; Elk River Crossing walkway lights; gravel road seal coating; and various sidewalk replacements.
Upcoming District meetings
The Socio-Community & Economic Effects Advisory Committee will convene in Council Chambers on Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m., followed by council on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. A special meeting regarding Columbia Basin Trust’s community initiatives program will be held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, April 17 at 6 p.m.